Pat Metheny – Side Eye III+
Jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny brings his ambitious Side-Eye III+ project to the Rio Theatre, showcasing new music from his upcoming 2026 album with an expanded ensemble featuring pianist Chris Fishman, drummer Joe Dyson, and bassist Jermaine Paul.
Building on his previous Side-Eye projects that centered on guitar-led trio interaction with younger improvisers, Side-Eye III+ broadens that concept into a wider sonic palette that includes harp, percussion, and choral textures while maintaining the driving, in-the-pocket rhythmic identity that powers Metheny's most compelling groups. As recent reviews note, the core trio dialogue remains central, with Metheny's guitar serving as the primary narrative voice while the surrounding ensemble deepens the atmospheric colors.
Metheny's revolutionary approach to jazz guitar spans five decades and 20 Grammy Awards. From his breakthrough 1975 debut Bright Size Life to his recent explorations with custom instruments like the 42-string Pikasso guitar and robotic Orchestrion, he has consistently redefined the genre through technological innovation and boundary-crossing compositions. His horn-like articulation combined with advanced harmonic sensibility creates a sound that's modern yet deeply rooted in jazz tradition.
The Missouri-born guitarist's versatility is legendary—he's collaborated with artists ranging from Steve Reich to Ornette Coleman to David Bowie. His live performances are known for their thoughtful pacing and generous spotlight on bandmates, often running over two hours with careful attention to sonic diversity. Audiences can expect everything from intimate acoustic medleys to expansive improvisational dialogues where the rhythm section creates a living, adaptive framework that responds in real time to melodic developments.
This Santa Cruz performance marks a key stop on Metheny's 55-show North American tour, arriving as part of his continued exploration of how small-group intimacy can be reframed through broader orchestral possibilities.